| Abstract: | Banana pseudostem biomass, traditionally incinerated and wasted, has been conserved and recycled by solid state fermentation (SSF) into plant growth stimulating soil conditioner (SC). This SC alone or combined with biofertilizers showed reduced mortality (10 and 12%) of planted suckers, enhanced chlorophyll contents (593 and 661 μg g−1), gave biomass (35.0 and 36.6 kg) at par and improved yield (54.2 and 55.0 MT ha−1), with that of the control (23%, 312 μg g−1, 36.3 kg and 49.4 MT ha−1, respectively). This has afforded (i) saving of chemical fertilizers by 50%, (ii) reduction in quantum (40%) and frequency (15%) of irrigation and (iii) reduction in cost of electricity and labor without sacrificing quality and quantity of banana. Thus, a voluminous agro-waste is converted into an eco-friendly agro-input for sustainable productivity. |
